1431 Senator
Cash: To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration
and Citizenship—In regard to the interim replacement of the secretary
of the department, Mr Andrew Metcalfe, with Mr Martin Bowles:

(1) What
is the usual process for replacing a departmental secretary when they
take extended leave.

(2) Was
this process followed in this instance; if not, why not and what process
was followed.

(3) When
did Mr Metcalfe first raise his intention to take extended leave, and
who was this communicated to.

(4) When
did Mr Metcalfe formally submit a leave application for annual leave,
study leave and long service leave.

(5) When
were these applications formally approved and by whom.

(6) How
many days will Mr Metcalfe be taking as study leave and what is the
approved course of study to be undertaken during this time.

(7) How
many days will Mr Metcalfe be taking as annual leave.

(8) How
many days will Mr Metcalfe be taking as long service leave.

(9) Was
the position advertised; if so, where was it advertised and on what
date, and can a copy of the advertisement be provided; if not, why was
it not advertised.

(10) How
many applications were received for the position.

(11) How many applications were received
from within the department.

(12) Were
applicants required to address selection criteria; if so, can a copy
of the selection criteria be provided.

(13) How
many applicants were interviewed for the position.

(14) Were
any applicants interviewed more than once; if so, how many.

(15) Did
Mr Bowles submit a formal application for the position.

(16) Did
Mr Bowles address the selection criteria.

(17) Can
a copy of the memo sent to departmental staff advising of the appointment
of Mr Bowles to the position of acting secretary be provided.

(18) What
experience does Mr Bowles have: (a) in the department; and (b) with immigration
policy.

(19) Given
Mr Bowles’ appointment as special advisor to the department from 5 December 2011,
prior to taking up the position as secretary from March 2012: (a) what
will his duties be as special advisor; and (b) does the position of special
advisor have a role description; if so, can a copy of the description
be provided.